Garden Design and Planning - Workshop and Dinner at the Mindful Farmer Homestead

November 8, 2025
Conway, Arkansas (Address to be emailed upon confirmation)
6 PM – 9 PM
Limited participants (12 guests)

Join us for an inspiring evening workshop and dinner at the Mindful Farmer homestead in Conway, Arkansas. The fire will be burning and string lights twinkling as we explore how to start a garden from the ground up — from planning and layout to efficient, economical design that saves time, space, and money.

We’ll discuss practical strategies for starting your first garden (or refining your current one), including bed layout, crop rotation, soil building, and design principles that make your garden not just productive, but beautiful and sustainable.

Dinner will be served in small courses woven throughout the evening — seasonal dishes prepared in-house by Sean and Melanie of Mindful Farmer, featuring ingredients from their garden and local farms. Expect great food, meaningful conversation, and hands-on learning in a cozy, candlelit atmosphere.

Timeline of the Evening

6:00 PM – Arrival & Welcome
Guests arrive under glowing string lights. Welcome drink and light appetizers.
Course 1 served: Fresh bread with spreads, cheese, crudité, and charcuterie.

6:30 PM – Session 1: Starting Your Garden
Learn how to start strong — soil prep, seed selection, timing, and early maintenance for success.
Course 2 served: Fresh seasonal garden salad.

7:00 PM – Session 2: Efficient & Economic Garden Design
Explore how to design a garden that fits your space, budget, and goals. We’ll cover raised beds, in-ground design, companion planting, and layout strategies that maximize production and minimize labor.
Course 3 served: Warm soup or small pasta dish.

7:30 PM – Session 3: Garden Planning for the Year Ahead
Hands-on session mapping out your own garden plan — when, where, and how to plant for steady harvests throughout the seasons.
Course 4 served: Grilled garden vegetables, local chicken, and grass-fed beef.

8:30 PM – Closing Discussion & Q&A
Reflections, shared stories, and community connection under the lights.
Course 5 served: Dessert with coffee or tea.

9:00 PM – Farewell
Guests leave with new knowledge, a full belly, and resources to help bring their garden plans to life.

What to Bring

• Comfortable clothes for an outdoor dinner

• Your own wine or beer (stemware provided)

• A jacket or wrap for after sunset (we will have a fire burning)

• Notebook and pen (optional; workbooks provided)

Seats are limited, so reserve early. Full address and parking details will be shared upon registration.